Fans had been expressing disappointment with the Tennessee Titans' head coaching search. The first eight revealed candidates included lackluster names ranging from Jason Garrett to Steve Spagnuolo. Well, Mike Borgonzi's search underwent a dramatic shift on Thursday morning.
The Titans have added three candidates to an already lengthy list. They've officially requested interviews with Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, according to multiple reports.
All three coaches are ineligible to interview with the Titans this week as their respective organizations are competing on Wild Card Weekend in the postseason. Fans had been wondering when the Titans would begin requesting interviews with playoff coaches. Borgonzi's head coaching search has officially kicked into high gear.
Titans' head coaching search just underwent a massive shift in approach
Smith is obviously familiar to Titans fans. He worked in Tennessee from 2011 to 2020, climbing his way to becoming their offensive coordinator. The Titans arguably fielded their best offense in franchise history in 2019-20 under Smith's play-calling prowess with Ryan Tannehill, A.J. Brown and Derrick Henry executing his system.
Hafley has built a strong reputation with the Packers in just two seasons as Matt LaFleur's defensive play-caller. He possesses previous head coaching experience in the college ranks, having led Boston College for four seasons (2020-23). Hafley is expected to be a popular league-wide candidate, having interviewed for the New York Jets' vacancy last offseason.
Saleh also has requests from the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons. He's among the more popular retread candidates. Saleh's tenure with the New York Jets, in which he managed a 20-36 record, has aged gracefully given the Jets' consistent lack of success.
There are additional options coaching in the playoffs the Titans may possess interest in speaking with. The list of candidates could expand to include Los Angeles Rams DC Chris Shula and Jacksonville Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile.
Borgonzi is casting a wide net in the search for Brian Callahan's successor. Smith, Hafley, and Saleh represent the ninth, 10th, and 11th candidates. It finally feels like the Titans' head coaching search is gaining momentum.